State Fair Offering Free Thursday Afternoon Admission

Tribune photo by JAY NOLAN

Fair officials are offering the free admission in support of hospitalized veterans and the U.S. armed forces.

By TBO.com
Published: February 11, 2009

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Admission to the Florida State Fair on Thursday will be free to patrons attending after 4 p.m.

Fair officials are offering the free admission in support of hospitalized veterans and the U.S. armed forces. In addition, the fair will host a National Salute to Hospitalized Vets rally at the Ford Amphitheater starting at 6 p.m.

Gates open at 9 a.m. on Thursday with regular admission prices, but anyone entering after 4 p.m. will get in free.

The event includes a flyover, a rally to support the troops and recognize the hospitalized vets, a patriotic-themed fireworks display and a concert featuring The Spinners and Little Anthony and the Imperials.

More than 200 veterans from the Bay Pines Veterans Hospital, the Tampa V.A. Hospital and the V.A. Polytrauma Center will attend the concert as special guests and honorees, and attendees are encouraged to wear red, white and blue.